Program Manager III

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time‑Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Program Manager III to lead high‑complexity DoD programs, focusing on technical, cost, and schedule performance while driving revenue growth.

You will motivate cross‑functional teams and manage budget, funding, and customer relationships. You must have strong communication skills, experience in EV/Risk management, and the ability to deliver on aggressive schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business is required.
• Program Management Professional Certification (PMP) is required.
• 5–10+ years of Program Management experience, ideally in support of DoD contracts.
• In lieu of the educational requirements, a minimum of 10 years directly related Program Manager experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage programs with a focus on technical, cost, and schedule performance.
• Oversee program performance, P&L, and growth for assigned programs.
• Set objectives for contracts and manage resources, performance, and customer relationships.
• Coordinate cost estimates for out-of-scope activities and future work.
• Report program status and risk mitigation to management and customers.

Skills

Program management

P&L management

Earned Value management

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business

PMP Certification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost-effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS)

KUAS, a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective, jet‑powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the U.S. military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

General Job Summary

The Program Manager III works on programs of higher complexity with a focus on technical, cost, and schedule performance, along with business revenue growth. A Program Manager III must have a strong understanding of the project management process, strong communication and customer service skills and be able to motivate their team(s). The Program Manager III should have a good understanding of budget and funding calculations and must possess analytical skills. The Program Manager is involved in all stages of a project or program ensuring success in the planning, scheduling, implementing and tracking processes for assigned program(s).

Essential Job Functions

• Provides organization leadership, develops business & growth strategies, manages program execution to meet contract and company commitments, and champions process excellence to continually improve operations and performance on assigned programs.
• Provides oversight and leadership for program/project.
• Responsible for proposal development, program performance, P&L, and business growth for assigned programs.
• Sets effective performance objectives for programs, including financial objectives, contract and subcontract management, customer relationship management, and resource management; monitors program performance and ensures current customer expectations are met.
• Performs strategic and tactical planning and execution activities.
• Promotes effective and productive team activities by focusing on and participating in critical tasks, ensuring deadlines are met, promoting best practices through example, and use of outstanding communications and coordination practices.
• Applies advanced skills to critical or high visibility tasks and applies insights to critical activities.
• Breaks work down into manageable tasks required to meet the objectives of the program/project and customer, which includes the assigning and/or directing the work of others.
• Ensures satisfaction of all contractual and Statement of Work (SOW) requirements.
• Establishes a risk management program, and ensures all risks are mitigated.
• Reports program status and performance, as required by contract or management.
• Interfaces with the customer and other company personnel on technical, production, and procurement issues.
• Coordinates the cost estimates (labor & material) associated with out of scope activities or future work.
• Investigates and performs root cause analysis on nonconforming product for assigned projects; troubleshoots problems with production and takes corrective action.
• Keeps customers informed of program schedules and status.
• Follows safety precautions and ensures program team members operate safely at all times.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Directly manages matrixed cross‑functional program team consisting of engineering, manufacturing, contracts, procurement, quality, administrative, and other departments assigned to designated programs. Works in collaboration with functional management to support interviewing, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, coaching, and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems for personnel on assigned programs.

Experience and Skills

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential or classified information as required by government standards.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Ability to adhere to workplace rules and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, staff, control and direct complex software and hardware engineering (development) and production projects using tools and techniques (with advanced understanding) associated with earned value, risk, and schedule management.
• A thorough understanding of engineering, development technologies, and applicable military and commercial specifications and standards.
• Demonstrated capability to lead major subcontractors and suppliers in meeting challenging schedules.
• Demonstrated negotiation and team building skills.
• Able to effectively direct goal‑oriented activities of a geographically diverse Team in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.
• This individual must possess a strong combination of technical skills, program management skills, and sales and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrate detailed technical and cost performance reporting.
• Demonstrated mastery of development and use of Integrated Master Plans and Schedules (IMP/IMS), Risk and Opportunity Management Plans, use of a Structured Decision and Analysis Resolution process.
• Ability to work with minimal corporate oversight.
• A high degree of innovation and creativity.
• Moderate to heavy travel to various locations.
• Demonstrated passion for customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross‑functionally to meet program/project requirements.
• Demonstrated strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proven track record in a high variety, low volume manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of the marketplace and customer needs, objectives, and expectations.
• Demonstrated abilities to plan, prioritize and delegate work assignments.
• Skills and abilities to provide technical and administrative guidance for activities in defined scope of responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of management and individual contributors.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Business or Engineering Management
• Demonstrated leadership in a complex development environment.
• Familiarity with contract provisions applicable to contracts and subcontracts.
• Strong working knowledge of business financial systems / processes.
• Leadership experience in the aerospace industry.
• Formal program management training is desired.
• Certified CMMi program life cycle process implementation experiences desired.
• Working knowledge of ISO9001/AS9100 requirements.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
• Extensive knowledge of KUAS product lines, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to provide effective direction, leadership, and team building.
• Ability to develop program strategy and goals in alignment with overall company objectives.
• Solid presentation skills and the ability to communicate, influence, and gain commitment of stakeholders.
• May be required to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Hands‑on skills in the areas of desktop computer applications (MSOffice), proposal development, and the opportunity management process.

Education and Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business
• Program Management Professional Certification required.
• 5‑10+ years Program Management experience, ideally in support of Department of Defense acquisition programs/projects
• In lieu of the educational requirements, a minimum of 10 years directly related Program Manager experience in support of DoD contracts may be considered.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Office and or manufacturing environment
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
• Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10‑key, phones)
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

Travel Requirements

• 0‑25% May be required to travel locally, domestically and internationally

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Afffirmed Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

EEO Is The Law

Disability Accessibility Accommodation: If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [e-mail] or call 858‑964‑2916. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

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